This voyage will be accompanied by the renowned astronomers Dr John Mason, Graham Bryant or Ian Ridpath and hopefully the greatest lightshow on earth, the Northern Lights .
Through a series of lectures and a guided tour of the Arctic night sky from the deck of the ship, the lecturers will bring the world of stars, planets and meteors closer whilst also exploring the numerous myths and legends linked to the constellations in our skies.
This fascinating journey commences in Bergen, with a leisurely voyage north. Every day offers a new highlight, and the first few days alone take us to the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund and medieval Trondheim with its Gothic Cathedral. As we travel further north we cross the Arctic Circle, visiting the Lofoten Islands and the Arctic capital, Tromsø, where a trip to the Northern Lights Planetarium is included. In Honningsvåg, you can join an excursion to mainland Europe's most northerly point, the North Cape.
Sailing on, we head for the sheltered harbour of Kirkenes. Here you choose from a wide range of optional excursions includng avisit the Russian border or stylish Snow Hotel, dogsledging and snowmobiling.
Ports visited by night on the northbound voyage are seen by day on the southbound journey, ensuring that all passengers get to know the very best of the dramatic and interesting Norwegian coastline
N366 Operated by Hurtigruten
.
Northern Lights Astronomy Voyage
Day 1 - UK - Bergen (Norway)
Arrive in Bergen and embark your ship. Enjoy the relaxed ambience on board and meet fellow astronomers as you enjoy the spectacular landscapes.
Day 2 - Alesund
An early arrival at the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund offers the opportunity to go ashore and explore this pretty town.
Day 3 - Trondheim
Continuing north we head for the medieval city of Trondheim, whose colourful history is reflected in its handsome civic architecture.
Day 4 - Arctic Circle - Lofoten Islands
Crossing the Arctic Circle we continue to the modern town of Bodø and after crossing the Vestfjord at the day's end, see the stunning Lofoten Islands and their capital, Svolvaer.
Day 5 - Tromso
A relaxing morning on board precedes our arrival in Tromø, the Arctic capital of Norway. Here a special visit to the Northern Lights Planetarium is included especially for this tour.
Day 6 - Hammerfest - Honningsvag
Following an early call at Hammerfest we arrive in Honningsvåg, the portal to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape.
Day 7 - Kirkenes
The vistas and sea life become more dramatic as we approach Kirkenes, just a few kilometers from the Russian border. Optional excursions here include dog sledging, snowmobiling, or a visit to the Snow Hotel. As we return south the northbound ports visited by night are now seen by day.
Day 8 - Hammerfest and Tromso
Hammerfest, the world's most northerly town is our first major stop, before continuing to Tromsø for a chance to enjoy the Midnight Concert in the Arctic Cathedral.
Day 9 - Lofoten - Vesteralen Islands
Passing through the legendary Lofoten Islands the ship negotiates an intricate network of inlets and isles. This is one of the most beautiful stretches of the Norwegian coast and for many it is the most stunning part of the journey south.
Day 10 - Arctic Circle - Seven Sisters
Cross the Arctic Circle and sail past the peaks of the Seven Sisters as you enter a world of legends and folklore, before a chance to enjoy the award-winning Maritime Museum at Rørvik.
Day 11 - Trondheim
An early morning arrival in Trondheim, with time to explore the city.
Day 12 - Bergen - UK
A few nautical miles take you to Bergen and the end of your Astronomy Voyage. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Your lecturers on board are Dr John Mason MBE - 3 Oct, 5 Nov, 30 Dec 2018 and 1 Feb, 28 Mar 2019 departures; Ian Ridpath - 31 Oct 2018 and 1 Mar 2019 departures; and Graham Bryant - 3 Dec 2018 departure